i think most of us who listen critically are able to distinguish how a different piece of gear colors a given sound, based on listening to numerous sources critically and listening for common traits. for example, i've heard many 4022>v3, mk4>v3, 140>v3 and u89>v3 tapes, since i ran the 4022's, 140's and 89's and have downloaded tons of mk4>v3 tapes. from listening to many different examples of this gear used in different environments, i feel that i am able to identify traits about each of these setups that makes them identifiable. so, to me, it's not about controlled comparisons to compare gear, but about long term listening to similar gear run in different places. ymmv.
most definitely agree. whatever piece of gear "wins out" over many variables is the one you like . Was that your point? that after all of these "critical" listens you always end up preferring the DPA/B+K sources?
edit: have you tested your ears? for all i know you can't hear past 12k 
having a good set of ears lends to making the listen more "critical" IMO. I can't hear past 19k FWIW.
fuck off, no i have not tested my ears, what good would that do me? i can't get an ear transplant, can I?
my point, in this limited context was that I really like the 4022's for recording loud rock shows. I do not always end up preferring the dpa's over the other sources, but as far as purchasing mics again, they would certainly be my first choice. this is a post from a thread a while back discussing schoeps v. dpa's:
if you're gonna be doing TS section in arenas, don't even bother with the 4022's. you'll be pissed. if you are goona go up front or tape in good spots, you can't beat the 4022's. i hate to sound like Mel Kiper, but the 4022's have an unmatched upside. on any given night, you can pull the best tape you've ever heard if the sound is good and the mix is good. but they're not as consistent. to me, i like the upside, as there is almost always another taper if i'm not happy, but the chances of bringing home the heat on a given night make it worthwhile. depends what you want.
so i guess what i'm saying overall is that, 1) I don't think it's true that the dpa's are inferior for taping loud rock shows, 2) controlled gear comparisons are not of much use to me, 3) no piece of gear, whether mic or pre or a/d is always the best in all situations, but 4) I prefer the transparency of the 4022's in capturing what you hear.
i'm not even sure if i'm making sense at this point, you've got me twisting in the wind and all I did was agree with natelsky.
